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This week: Action in Children's Books Edited by: Vivian  
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I've heard and read that anyone can write a children's book. That idea gives a false impression of how difficult writing for children actually can be. Anything written for children takes as much as or more than writings for adults. Compressing and showing a complete story requires tight and good writing, including action.
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Action in Children's Books
In my reading of past magazines for writers, I discovered the June 2007 issue of The Writer included interesting articles about writing for children. Since I've been editing, formatting, and organizing children's stories and illustrations into books to be published for the past several years, I found the articles interesting and parallel to my own experiences and what I've found that children's stories need.
Just because a book is for children does not mean that it can tell and not show. In fact more showing, through words as well as illustrations, enhances the book. In every book, tension gets a child's attention, and drama requires tension. Barbara Seuling ("HOW TO REFINE your picture book, page 38, The Writer, June 2007) says that an incident is not enough, that the author must turn it into a story with action. "...it is the element of tension that gets our interest. A story without something to worry the reader is just mildly interesting at best."
Yes, action adds to all stories. Children like action. They demand action. Not enough action results in lack of interest. Without action, where's the drama, the conflict, the plot? It doesn't exist.
Speaking of action, Seuling and a speaker at the OWFI writing conference, Marion Hees, agree that writers should start with action almost immediately. Writers shouldn't start with exposition, at least not more than a sentence or two, before the action begins. Catching the listener's or reader's attention quickly means a better chance of keeping that attention.
Children enjoy conflict, a story with a character who has a dilemma. Writers need to incorporate a plot in each story.
A few points for writing better children's stories include the following:
1. Don't be afraid to use some unfamiliar words. Most children listen to picture books text; they don't read them. Therefore, vocabulary can be more exciting.
2. Be sure the story isn't too long, even though they can be up to 1,500 words. Seuling says, "Say what you have to say as succinctly as possible. Cut unnecessary words; avoid details that are unneeded or can be left to the illustrator; and write shorter sentences, selecting verbs with kick."
3. Exclamation points should be use seldom and only in dialogue. Clear writing helps avoid exclamation marks.
4. Avoid using ALL CAPS. If a character shouts, show that with words and how they are said.
Italics should be used only to show a character's thoughts.
5. As in any writing, action verbs need to be used. Passive voice or verbs and to be verbs should be avoided whenever possible.
Example; The girl was talking to her doll.
Improved: The girl talked to her doll.
A couple of things I read and heard I disagree with:
Avoid alliteration in names: Children love alliterative names. Adults
who decide what is published and what isn't are the ones who
dictate no alliteration. If writing for children, then I think we
should use devices that they enjoy - if used correctly.
Don't write in rhyme. I partially disagree. IF rhyme and rhythm are
used by someone who understands how to do so, then rhyme
holds children's attention.
Don't be afraid to write for children. Just be sure that the perspective is on a child's level, written for children rather than about children but for adults. Action must be included to keep a child's attention. |
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Words from our Readers
Cpt_Charlie  :
You would think a writer can be taught how to write. Anyway, that was a good piece, one that anyone who wants to write should put in mind. It doesn't harm, you know.
brownston
Thank you for this newsletter! The "Stories Require a Plot" issue was really helpful to me!
Angels in my Ear 
I enjoy learning about my ancestors and finding out who they were through their autobiographies. I am fascinated by the amazing and interesting things that have happened and want to write about them in a new way that will bring them to life. I want to write fictional short stories based on actual events in an effort to show their true character and make them more than just names and dates. In essence, my main goal is to create a character sketch using their own words and thoughts recorded by their own hands.
Although there are many stories, they are closer to anecdotes and will require a lot of creative thinking. I am struggling to find a way to turn what is written as a memory into something more. That means adding conflict and I'm not sure the best way to go about it. I don't mind using fictional elements, but I don't want to create an event or struggle that the person did not actually face. It will be part of their legacy and I only want to shine a light on it and not rewrite it.
I'm not quite sure where to start. Any suggestions?
I have already done one if you need a better idea of what I am talking about. It's not great as it was my first try but perhaps it will give you a better idea of where to direct me. The story is "Roots and Wings" and the autobiography source material I based it on is "Priscilla Merriman Evans (Autobiography)"
I would suggest you look into genealogy groups and writing groups in your area. You will find people willing and able to help you. Most biographical stories have some kind of conflict: internal, with nature, with circumstances, with other people.
Quick-Quill 
I try to follow Debra Dixon's Goal Motivation and Conflict for each chapter. I am writing a novel where each character is connected at the end. I want the reader to go, "AHA I see the strings dangling and now they are all tied." M. Knight Shyamalan's DEVIL has me facinated. I don't like horror, but 4 people in an elevator and one is the Devil' caught my attention. It was the plot that has me hooked. The ending had me going WOW,WOW,WOW! Now I'm attempting to write a novel with that kind of plot.
Reading books like the one or ones you wish to write helps us "see" what works and what doesn't. Good writers are voracious readers.
Thanks for joining me again. I still would like to hear your ideas for newsletter topics.
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For Authors: September 18, 2013 Issue [#5887]
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